About Our Destination
Being Gay in Europe
Being LGBT is widely accepted in all of the countries we visit.
Climate
In spring, the weather in this part of Europe has ranged from a chilly and rainy 55°F, to a sunny, warm 80°F! Plan to dress in layers and prepare for anything. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.
Currency
Belgium and Holland use the Euro. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
Languages
The languages most commonly spoken in the countries weâll visit are French, Dutch, and German but most people also speak English!
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
COVID-19 vaccination, plus booster and a negative COVID-19 test are required for this trip. We will keep you updated with the vendorâs Health and Safety COVID protocols as we get closer to the trip date.
Avalon Protocols
To learn more about Avalon's Health & Safety protocols, please click here. Please note, protocols may be revised as we get closer to the trip.
Pre-Trip Health Screening
To learn more about Avalon's Pre-Trip Health Screening protocols, please click here. Please note, pre-trip health screening requirements may be revised as we get closer to the trip.
Travel & Entry Requirements
With international travel resuming, weâve provided an easy tool to allow you to check the latest requirements and provisions for your travel plans. For specific entry requirements to your chosen destination, simply click on your arrival country under "Where to?" and enter your travel dates.
Before Your Trip
Whatâs Included and Whatâs Not
What's included?
Whatâs not included?
Cancellation Policy
Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions.
Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.
Community: Joining the Online Trip Group
If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Oliviaâs official 2023 Brussels to Amsterdam Riverboat group on Facebook.
Honeymoons and Other Celebrations
Register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.
Olivia Travel Gear Store
To help you get ready for your vacation, weâve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!Special Occasions
If you will celebrate a birthday or any other special event during the week of your trip that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Specific NeedsâMedical, Mobility, Dietary, and Otherwise
If you have medical, mobility, or dietary requirements that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Travel Insurance
Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information.
For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a travel consultant.
Passport and Visa
If you are a US citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. You will not need to get a visa for travel to Belgium or Holland
If you are not a US citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip and you should check with both your countryâs consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to determine whether you need an entry visa or other additional documentation.
Vacation Stretchers
We will not be offering optional vacation stretchers for this cruise. We do encourage you to arrive at least one day early in case of any travel delays. In Brussels, there are plenty of hotel options and we recommend you look on Trip Advisor to find the top-rated hotels. The ship will be docked in Brussels at a location approximately 20-30 minutes from the Brussels International Airport and city center. Exact location will be shared in your final trip documents which we will send 2-3 weeks prior to departure. If you plan to extend your time in Amsterdam, the Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station is one of the best located hotels. We also recommend the Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, although itâs a little further away, but still walking distance from the city center and train station.
Vaccinations
Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionâs website at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on âTravelerâs Healthâ followed by âVaccinations.â
- Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights onboard the 128-passenger Avalon Visionary, part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships
- All meals and snacks on board with complimentary in-room dining available for breakfast and dinner
- Sparkling wine with breakfast; coffee, tea, and juices with all meals; beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Standard wifi in all cabins and public areas
- Olivia entertainment and programming, as well as local entertainment
- Included sightseeing tours in each port
- Gratuities to ship crew and Avalon cruise director
- Olivia staff assistance throughout
- Transfer from the Brussels airport to the ship and ship to the Amsterdam airport
- Optional tours
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soft drinks (except where indicated)
- Phone and fax services
2023 BRUSSELS TO AMSTERDAM RIVERBOAT |
START DATE | END DATE | FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 4/02/2022 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 4/03/2022 | 4/02/2023 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
To help you get ready for your vacation, weâve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!
Travel & Arrival
Air Travel
Airports
You will need to fly into Brussels International Airport (BRU) and out of Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS). We encourage all passengers to extend their trip with our Pre- and Post-Cruise Vacation Stretchers to enjoy all that Brussels and Amsterdam have to offer, as well as to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.
Discounts
Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Please visit our airfare discount page for the most up-to-date information.
Flight arrival and departure times
Your flight into Brussels International Airport (BRU) should arrive by 2 pm on April 2, 2023. If your flight arrival time is close to this cutoff time, please call 800-631-6277 to confirm that the choice of flight will be acceptable. Your flight home can depart the Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS) at any time on April 9, 2023, as the ship will overnight in Amsterdam April 8.
Luggage Allowances
Airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For ease of travel in Europe, we recommend bringing no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on.
Ship Embarkation
Check-in
Official check-in will be available in the afternoon. For early arriving flights, you can board the ship, drop off your luggage, and enjoy the lounge with small snacks and coffee, tea, and water. You can also venture out on your own to enjoy Brussels. Suites and staterooms will be available to access after 4 pm.
Port location
The ship will be docked in Brussels at a location approximately 20-30 minutes from the Brussels International Airport. The exact docking location is not determined until closer to the start of the trip, and sometimes not until the day of embarkation. We will provide docking information in final documents as well as a phone number to call on the day of embarkation in case you are making your way to the ship on your own.
During your trip
Accommodations
Your ship
Cabin amenities:
Dining
Fine dining on the Avalon Visionary features regional cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, and dinner is offered as sit-down menu service with open seating.
Electricity
The cabins have 110- and 220-volt electricity. Adapters should have 2 round prongs (type C).
Entertainment & Programming
We will bring two Olivia entertainers to perform on several evenings, as well as enjoy some of local entertainment along the way.
River cruising is all about port destinations. Donât expect the same ship-activity packed schedule you might find on a big ship or resort! On a typical day, following breakfast we will enjoy a walking tour of the new city we have arrived in, followed by lunch on board and either an optional extra walking (or other) tour or free time to explore. Perhaps youâll enjoy a fun and informative lecture on the history of the area or take that well-deserved nap. Itâs your vacation! In the evenings, we will be delighted by local entertainers or one of our two Olivia artists. After the shows, enjoy our riverboat version of âClub O,â with our talented staff taking turns being a âguest DJâ to provide dancing music in the main lounge. Or you may choose to get to bed early for your next full day!
Excursions
A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours, ranging in price from approximately âŹ39 to âŹ79, may be booked on board and will not conflict with the included tours.
Gentle Walkers
Whenever possible, we will create a Gentle Walkers group on each included tour for any guests who need a little extra time walkingâperhaps guests with scooters or canes or photographers who like to stop frequently to take photos. For those with mobility issues, we suggest purchasing a cane that can also fold out to be a seat so you can rest while the group stops to listen to the guide. There are many different styles to choose from online on sites such as amazon.com.
Please note that on the optional tours, we are not able to offer a Gentle Walkers group. If you are unsure of your ability to take a specific tour, please discuss your concerns with the cruise director on board.
Gratuities
Gratuities are provided to your Avalon cruise director, cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maĂŽtre dâ, reception, and other-behind-the-scenes crew members and are included in the cost of the cruise.
Tipping is also included for the local guides and bus drivers on included tours and optional tours. Should you receive exceptional service and wish to tip more, this is completely at your discretion.
Internet, Email, and Fax
Complimentary wifi is included on board in public spaces and in your cabin for use on your personal digital devices (phone, laptop, or tablet computer). There is an onboard internet center with two desktop computers for guest use. Faxes can be sent from the reception desk for a charge.
Laundry and Dry Cleaning
Laundry and pressing services are available; prices will be available onboard the ship. Dry-cleaning and self-service laundry facilities are not available.
Medical Services
The ship will be minutes away from hospitals when we are docked and will be close to local towns when we are cruising along the river. The ship does not have an onboard doctor.
Money: On-Board Purchases
The currency used on board is Euros (âŹ). All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you will create when you first check in. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Please check with the shipâs front office for further details.
Phone
Each cabin has a phone for calling other cabins and for making international and local calls. There is an additional fee to use this phone for international or local calls; cost is available on board. We suggest that you check with your cell phone provider for international service.
Smoking policy
The interior of the Avalon Visionary is entirely nonsmoking. Smoking is not permitted in your cabins or on your cabinâs Open-Air SM balcony. A smoking area will be designated on an outdoor deck.
Solos
Guests traveling independently can look forward to Solos programs led by our Solos coordinator, who will ensure you have a great time.
The Avalon ms Visionary delivers an intimate setting, along with two full decks of suites featuring wall-to-wall panoramic windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balconyâ . With 172 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities include complimentary computer use in public areas and wifi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful Sky Bistro.
- An entirely nonsmoking interior
- Lounge
- Beautiful bars and lounges
- Sun deck with premium lounge chairs and shade awnings
- Laundry service (not self-service; check pricing on board)
- Fitness center
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship
- Elegant, contemporary design throughout
- Included shore excursions with Local Guide, and all tipping to guides included
- Headsets for shore excursions
- Complimentary wifi access
- Space to relax & unwind
- Premium coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes
- Coffee self-serve beverage station
- A lounge serving premium spirits (extra charge)
- Daily early- and late-riser breakfast
- Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine, with complimentary juices and made-to-order egg station
- Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Al fresco lunches on the Sky Grill
- Chef-inspired regional recipes
- Four-course dinners with open seating
- Remarkable service throughout the cruise
- English-speaking crew
- 172-200-sq ft staterooms and suites, some of the largest on the river
- Most with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors
- Air conditioning
- Large bathroom with glass-doored showers
- Premium L'Occitane bath amenities
- Flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels
- Spacious 3-door closets for ample storage
- Nonallergenic duvets and pillows
- Pillow-top Comfort Collection beds
- Egyptian cotton sheets
- Safe
After Your Trip
Transfers to the airport
Because the ship will overnight in Amsterdam April 8, you can arrange for a transfer to the airport at any time after we dock. The shipâs reception will be able to assist with arranging a cab. The Amsterdam Airport is about 30-40 minutes from the docking location, and a cab to the airport will cost between 40 and 60 Euros.
Vacation Stretchers
We will not be offering optional vacation stretchers for this cruise. We do encourage you to arrive at least one day early in case of any travel delays. In Brussels, there are plenty of hotel options and we recommend you look on Trip Advisor to find the top-rated hotels. The ship will be docked in Brussels at a location approximately 20-30 minutes from the Brussels International Airport and city center. Exact location will be shared in your final trip documents which we will send 2-3 weeks prior to departure. If you plan to extend your time in Amsterdam, the Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station is one of the best located hotels. We also recommend the Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, although itâs a little further away, but still walking distance from the city center and train station.
This trip requires some mobility without the use of a wheelchair or scooter, as most of the tours are walking tours for up to 3 hours, which may include walking on cobblestone streets and stairs. A âGentle Walkersâ group is offered on most included walking tours, which accommodates those needing a little extra time and sometimes offers a shortened version of a tour, designed to encounter as few stairs as possible.
If you are bringing a portable wheelchair or collapsible travel scooter, you must be able to collapse it and store it in your cabin. It cannot be used to get around the ship, only while off the ship on tours that are wheelchair/scooter accessible. On tours, the usefulness of a portable wheelchair or scooter may be limited because we will be navigating cobblestone streets with hard curbs (no curb cutouts) and stairs.
If you have limited mobility, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you.
Our Travel Consultants can be reached at USA or Canada: 800.631.6277 or International 415.962.5700, option 1.
